Cybersecurity in 2023: What to expect in terms of new risks and challenges
As we welcome 2023, several information security professionals have already made their predictions about the main challenges we are set to face over the year ahead. However, it’s never easy to say what exactly will become a craze among cybercriminals. The only certainty is that they will spare no effort in developing even more elaborate and effective techniques to overcome current security measures.
Here is a list of some of the most common predictions shared by leading industry experts. Check them out below!
Cybercrime takes on a new business model
In the past, cybersecurity professionals engaged lone malicious agents using highly sophisticated methods, but with the increased adoption of the "as-a-service" business model, cybercrime is sure to become even more dangerous. It’s quite common to see ransomware-as-a-service "syndicates" that "lease" their malware to anyone able to carry out attacks in exchange for sharing their profits with the operators. Experts predict that this type of organization will expand into more types of attacks.
That means, soon, we won’t just be fighting one criminal or a small group of criminals, but entire syndicates that provide their services to any scammer out there willing to pay for them.
Automation: machine versus machine
Artificial intelligence is proving to be a major cybersecurity ally, providing real-time behavioral analysis, for example, that helps create a Zero Trust security framework. But, it would be naive to imagine that cybercriminals won’t soon get their hands on this resource, especially considering the increasing number of algorithms being developed and made available for public use.
Highly organized, malicious agents are likely to also invest in methods to automate their attacks and "waste less time" with manual invasion attempts. This will give rise to a veritable war of machine versus machine.
Digital identity remains a priority
It’s little wonder that the Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions sector was one of the fastest-growing sectors throughout 2022. With employees working remotely and the digitalization of product, service, and app offerings, protecting a user's identity and ensuring they really are who they say has become ever more important.
Within this scenario, authentication methods will also have to evolve to keep pace with the emergence of new technologies and the rise in identity theft scams. The market will be forced to react with new solutions, including passwordless authentication.
Awareness will always be crucial
Numbers don't lie: human error remains the main culprit in security incidents, especially data leaks. With fraud and scams at every turn, investing in human awareness will continue to be a critical factor in any security strategy. After all, if cybercrime continues to evolve, we, too, must continue to raise employee awareness, preparing them for the front line of any defense approach.
